Procedures that measure and compare heart function at rest and during exercise. Faster heart rates make it easier to detect impaired blood flow to the heart or abnormal heart rhythms. Cardiac stress testing is performed to diagnose a heart condition, monitor progress in those who have had a heart attack or have undergone heart surgery, and determine safe exercise levels for people who have heart disease or are at risk for developing it. Cardiac stress testing is safe, quick, and noninvasive.
A cardiac stress test is a diagnostic procedure employed to evaluate heart function in individuals experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or palpitations during exercise. The test aims to determine the presence of coronary artery disease, a condition characterized by impaired blood supply to the heart muscle. During the stress test, the patient undergoes monitored physical activity, typically on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, while their heart activity, blood pressure, and other vital signs are closely observed. This allows healthcare professionals to assess how well the heart performs under exertion and identify any abnormalities that may indicate underlying cardiac issues. The results of the cardiac stress test aid in diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease effectively.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) machine is utilized to capture the heart’s electrical activity patterns during periods of stress, commonly achieved through exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. By monitoring the electrical signals produced by the heart, healthcare professionals can detect specific changes in the ECG pattern as exercise intensity increases. These alterations serve as indicators of angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain resulting from impaired blood supply to the heart muscle. The ECG obtained during the stress test enables the assessment of the heart’s response to physical exertion, aiding in the diagnosis and management of angina pectoris and related cardiac conditions.
Cardiac stress testing can be combined with radionuclide scanning to identify areas of heart muscle that may have been damaged. This imaging technique involves the injection of a small amount of radioactive substance into the bloodstream, which is then detected by a specialized camera. During the stress test, the radioactive substance is delivered to the heart muscle, allowing for the visualization of blood flow and the identification of any regions that may not be receiving adequate blood supply. By integrating radionuclide scanning with cardiac stress testing, healthcare professionals can gain further insights into the condition of the heart and assess the presence of damaged areas, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.